http://sportsblogs.org/entries.php?team_id=37&date=2008-07-06&start=0 Sports Blogs :: Cleveland Browns Daily Entries en-us http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264893&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 Football Outsiders has a nice article that looks at what factors predict QB success in the pros. It turns out that number of games started and completion percentage in college are the most important predictors of pro success. Based on this, Quinn should do well, while JaMarcus Russell is a risk. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264894&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 I love this photo, and I'm still smiling about the draft. If, like me, you can't get enough of reliving the draft, here are two more good articles on the Browns draft. The first, from USA today, describes what happened in the Browns war room during the 1st round. The second, from Foxsports.com describes http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264895&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 ESPN.com has a nice compilation of draft grades from various sports sites. The Browns got an A from everyone except Mel Kiper, but then what does he know. .nobr br { display: none } http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264896&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 What a day! The first day of the draft was a day that will determine the fate of the Browns for years to come. It will also define the career of Phil Savage & possibly coach Romeo Crennel. As everyone now... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264897&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264898&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 My wish list for the Browns first pick in order of preference: Trade down (1 to 10 spots) and pick up a couple extra first day picksDraft Joe ThomasDraft Calvin Johnson (and possibly trade him)Draft Adrian PetersonDraft Brady QuinnDraft Jamarcus Russell If the Browns do trade down a few spots, they still may be able to get one of the players above. If they trade down 6 or more spots, I think they might draft OT Levi B... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264899&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 As I've said before, I hope that the Browns don't draft a quarterback in the first round, for a couple of reasons. First, taking a QB is risky, as they tend to have a high probability of being a bust regardless of their college resume. Taking one early in the first round only means that a team must spend millions in guaranteed money before they know if they have a bust. An analysis on ESPN.com's Page 2 shows that since 1989, http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264900&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 As I've said before, I think that choosing JaMarcus Russell would carry the biggest risks, but also have the biggest potential upside. Phil Savage has known Russell since he attended his football camp in Mobile, AL as a 14 year old. I hope that Savage judges Russell objectively and based on what is in the best interest of the team, rather than his long time personal relationship with Russell. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264901&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 According to Profootballtalk.com, the Raiders are talking to the agents for JaMarcus Russell, Calvin Johnson, and Brady Quinn. No surprise here, its common for the team with the #1 pick to try to get a deal done before the draft. Rumor has it, that the Raiders have made a "low ball" offer to Quinn, since he is the least likely of the 3 to go #1. If true, the dilemma for Quinn is to decide if he wants to get paid on the low side as a #1, or get paid a "normal" amount for being drafted at so... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264902&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 If the Browns decide to choose a QB (and I hope they don't), then my choice would be Brady Quinn. While JaMarcus Russell is a tremendously gifted athlete with a cannon for an arm, Brady Quinn is a more polished passer who is more prepared to step into a pro offense. Sentiment has shifted from Quinn to Russell over the past few months, in part due to LSU's bo... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264903&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 If this story in SI is true, than Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson might no longer be a top 5 pick. According to the story, Peterson re-injured... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264904&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 Wide receiver is one of the few positions that the Browns probably don't need to fill with a first rounder. Still, he wouldn't be a bad pick for Cleveland, simply because he is thought by many to be the best player in the draft and the least likely to be a bust. In case you haven't noticed, I'm worried about busts. Calvin Johnson has incredible size, speeds, and hands, and by all accounts is not a jackass like most "elite" wideouts. While Johnson could help the Browns by giving the... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264905&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 Drafting in the top 5 again, I think the Browns need to determine which top player is has the least likely downside. The last thing they need is another first round bust. I decided to look at some Browns drafts to see who have been the biggest busts in the last 25 years. Unfortunately, a lot of the picks qualify as busts. My top 5: 5. Cleveland Crosby DE--a second round draft choice who was cut after the 2nd game of his rookie season! 4. Clifford Charlton LB--... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264906&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 If the Browns don't get Joe Thomas, this would be my next choice. It is an area of need for the Browns, and until a good offensive line is in place, I think that generally a RB would be able to withstand the physical and mental beatings that come with playing behind the Cleveland line better than a QB could (Tim Couch comes to mind). Adrian Peterson is an awesome combination of power and speed, and has been compared to LaDania... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264907&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 The Kansas City Chiefs website has a great article which makes a strong case for drafting a tackle in the first round. Highlights: 39 players started five games or more at left tackle during the 2006 season. Of that group 20 were selected in the first round of the NFL draft (51%), including 15 in the top half of the round.among the 12 teams that made the playof... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264908&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 The consensus best lineman in the draft is Joe Thomas, the freakishly athletic left tackle from Wisconsin. He is expected to be drafted in the top 5, and possibly as early as 2nd by Detroit. Experts think that while Thomas is worthy of such a high pick, he is still not at the elite level of guys like Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, or Jonathan Ogden. Personally, this is who I want the Browns to pick. Its not a flashy, sexy pick, but it would address the biggest need of the reborn Br... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264909&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 Looking at the team following the recent free-agent acquisitions, I think the biggest team needs, in order are: Offensive line--free agency made it better, but still no stars.Defensive line--same story. Could use a young end and dominate nose tackle.Cornerback--what seemed to be the strongest spot a year ago has been devastated by injury.Running back--Jamal Lewis is a big question mark and is only signed for 1 season.Quarterback--Neither Charl... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1264910&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:21:14 Running back Chris Barclay was named NFL Europa Special Teams Player of the Week after a 99-yard kickoff return for his first touchdown in nearly two years. His team, the Berlin Thunder, will face Cologne next Sunday, televised at 1 am Monday morning on NFL Network. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261763&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 ROI has been low for the Browns and the rush for top-flight free agents is tempting, but the Browns took care of business at home first. They reached a preliminary agreement with center Hank Fraley for a four-year contract. Browns are now looking to add new talent in hopes to satisfy their hungry fans and it won't come cheap. Money is a significant factor but Coach Romeo Crennel is also banking on the Browns rich NFL history to lure free agents. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261764&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Interesting bit of analysis appeared in the Canton Repository: http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=330384&Category=17 The thing is, the author, Steve Doerschuk, managed to take what seems like wishful thinking (Cleveland Browns raise themselves from the depths while the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals sink) and provided some credible reasons that exactly that could happen. Check it out. Doerschuk is not just s... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261765&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 March Madness is in full swing and Duke Blue Devils beat Boston College to win the ACC title. This is the sixteenth ACC Title for Duke and this was the first ACC tournament for the Boston College Eagles. Coach Kizyzyewski’s Krazies are having a good spring as their team fights for top position. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261766&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Charlie Frye of the Cleveland Browns wants the fans to know he plans to be a stronger quarterback in the 2006 season. His experiences on the field have built his confidence in his ability to win in this league. Frye has a plan for his off-season growth and training. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261767&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Yes it is true what you hear about right tackle Mike Verba, he is not friendly and most would describe as a punk. He is a talented athlete at his position but coaches around the league feel he isn’t worth the time to put up with. So with that in mind Verba was given permission by coach Crennel to seek a trade. So don’t be surprised if Verba is not around for long. http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261768&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Gary Baxter has been getting accustomed to his new team, new uniform, and new contract. After playing with the Baltimore Ravens for some years, coach Romeo Crennel altered Baxter’s views of the next coming years. Baxter has spent his first four years of his NFL career with the Ravens. He was planning to stay with the Ravens after becoming a free agent, but with the loss of cornerback Anthony Henry, the Browns made him an offer he couldn’t refus... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261769&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 - from FOXSports.com The braintrust has taken pains to bring alive Cleveland as a place with tradition rather than just a place to work, hoping to bridge the disconnection between players and fans. Icon Jim Brown, who played on the city's last major pro sports league title team in 1964, now has an office in the team complex. One of his jobs will be to shape player attitudes. Paul Warfield, anoth... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261770&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Linebacker Peter Boulware, who is currently on free agent status, has been showing interest in starting with the Browns franchise. Just entering free agent status two weeks ago, Boulware has been playing the last four years with the Baltimore Ravens. Ex-Raven cornerback Gary Baxter joined the Browns at the end of March and is hoping his former teammate will join on as well. “I think he’s looking for a place where can have an impact ... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261771&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 Matt Stewart, formerly a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, has joined the Cleveland Browns. With the current plans of Romeo Crennel to change the defensive scheme from a 4-3 to a 3-4, Stewart comes prepared. He has the versatility to go to any of the four defensive positions. This is also a return home for Stewart, who originates from Cleveland. “Matt was somebody that we identified early on in the free agent process as someone we w... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261772&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 - from FOXSports.com It's not clear whether the Browns were merely trying to light a fire when they announced 2002 first-round pick William Green could be had in a trade. It's clear a fire was lit. Rather than moping about a plight born of his own missteps, Green has responded with a determined, upbeat attitude. Advised to take film-watching more seriously, he has spent more hours in front of a s... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261773&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19 After a season-ending ankle injury, Ben Miller is returning to his Browns. Not only has Miller been out last year, he has been out since 2002. Miller has military service through 2 years between 2002 and 2004. After returning, Miller followed suit with his injury. Miller has currently been participating as a tight end for the Hamburg Sea Devils in NFL Europe. This gives him a good chance to reinstate his previously untapped skills for the last thre... http://rd.sportsblogs.org/viewEntry.php?id=1261774&src=rss 2008-07-06T00:03:19